I have not done one of the kids ask 20 Questions in a loooong time. I think the last time I did it, Little Man was four or something. Q wasn’t even in existence.. so today is a snowday where I am pretty close to being trapped with the children while the wife is running in sunny California for her work. This week thanks go to Little Man and Q. Here are 20 Questions the kids have asked me today (not an exhaustive list of their questions, only the ones I could remember or cared about), and either my answers or what I wanted to say.

On to the questions:1. Why aren’t we going to school today?Not completely sure actually. There was some snow last night, but it was not an amazing amount of snow. The temp is warm enough that you could go to school, so it is not the commute temperatures for the kids who walk and wait for the bus. I am surprised it was not just a delay because it looks like the streets will be clear by about 9 this morning. No go back to sleep I want to sleep in.

2. Are you missing work today?I would not say that I am missing it.

3. Can I have meatloaf for breakfast?Sure… that can be breakfast.

4. Can we play Uno Dare?By “we” you mean the three of us? Sure. Editor's Note: I won 1 of 2 games

5. What’s for lunch?I can make orange rice… that work for you? Editor's Note: The kids ate all the orange rice

6. Will we have school tomorrow?If not, you are going to work with me, but I cannot imagine you will not have school. Editor's Note: Sighs of relief at the last statement.

7. Can we get back on screen?Yep, 45 minutes and then you are off until your rooms are clean… Editor's Note: the last part was said in my head

8. Can we stay inside all day?I guess, but that is not very fun.

9. Can I have some Kool-Aid?Oh, Yeeeeeah!

10. Why do you think the ancient Egyptians had a longer lasting society than the ancient Mesopotamians?Well, the answer has 2 parts. Part the First: the Nile River has a regular periodic interval for its flooding vs the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers which had more random flooding cycles. This allowed the ancient Egyptians to plan for the floods and create a regular planting and harvesting calendar revolving around this regular cycle. Part the Second: the Nile River Valley is relatively protected from invasion by deserts, whereas Mesopotamia has relatively open borders that allows for other civilizations to come in and plunder, conquer, and destroy the Mesopotamian cultures.

11. Can I have some more Kool-Aid?Oh, Noooooo.

12. Can we watch some TV?You’ve been on screen a bunch today already, it needs to be educational or instructional. nature docs, cosmological docs, cooking shows, constructions shows, etc… Editor's Note: I am not sure how, but eventually Netflix made its way to a Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon from the mid-90's... It was horrible

13. Can I just read a book?Sweet Mother-of-God, of course you can. I would love for you to.

14. Do I have to clean my room?Yes, yes you do Editor's Note: Both rooms need about 30 more minutes to get them completely squared away

15. What's for dinner?Flanks steak, rice, and white and gold corn. Editor's Note: More of a question really... who is jealous of the noms? Go ahead, you can admit it.

16. Can I have seconds?Of course.

17. Why are you shoveling the driveway and sidewalks?Because I want to put a emphatic point on the fact that your mama is working in California this week while we have a snow day.

18. Can I have a few Girl Scout Cookies?You are enough dinner, so sure.

19. Why can't I get to sleep?Well, your eyes are open, you are talking to me, and you are constantly moving around. Close your eyes, be as still as possible for as long as possible, and breath deeply. The biggest reason is that you are trying to actively engage me in a conversation.

20. I will never be able to get to sleep.Firstly, that is not a question, and secondly, there has not been a day in your life that you have not fallen asleep. Now go to sleep.

To recap: Go to sleepGo to sleepGo to sleepThe wife gets home on FridayJust go to sleepCrap, Little Man has a swim meet start up this Thursday evening… That is terrible timingThanks ObamaHave a great week everybody